Hearts hope to seal deal for Don Cowie

BARRY ANDERSON

Hearts hope to complete the signing of former Scotland midfielder Don Cowie before the transfer window closes. Tynecastle officials are also pressing to recruit a striker, although plans to sign Dundee’s Craig Wighton have been shelved.

Cowie, 32, was released by Wigan on Friday and held talks with Aberdeen. He is close to securing a move to Hearts, which could be announced tomorrow if all finer details are agreed.

Wighton’s appearance as a substitute for Dundee against Motherwell on Saturday put an end to Hearts’ interest for now. After his loan spell at Raith Rovers, he cannot play for another club this season due to FIFA rules. Hearts enquired about an immediate transfer but they will no longer pursue the 18-year-old in this window. They could revive their interest in the summer.

The Edinburgh club remain keen on Southampton forward Sam Gallagher, although they face competition for his loan signature from several English Championship and League One sides. Dundee United defender John Souttar is also still on Hearts’ radar but the Tannadice club are reluctant to let him leave whilst they are fighting relegation – unless they can secure a large fee.

Consequently, head coach Robbie Neilson and director of football Craig Levein have turned their attention to players based abroad. The hope is that they can source a foreign striker who is available within their budget, but time is against them with the window due to close at midnight tomorrow.

Hearts want a mobile striker with an eye for goal who can come in to challenge Osman Sow, Juanma Delgado and Gavin Reilly for a place in attack. They are determined not to rush into any deal and want to secure value for money in the transfer market.